Louis Tomlinson of One Direction and EDM hit maker Steve Aoki premiered their new song “Just Hold On” on The X Factor UK this past Saturday night (Dec. 10) and have released it on all digital outlets.

Tomlinson’s performance followed a personal tragedy and Billboard reports that his mother Johannah Deaken passed away from leukemia at only 42 earlier that week (Dec. 7). Her dying wish was reportedly that her song complete the performance on the show.

(“It’s not over until it’s all been said”) Tomlinson sings out on the track. (“It’s not over until your dying breath / So what do you want them to say when you’re gone? / That you gave up and that you kept going on? / What do you do when a chapter ends? / Do you close the book and never read it again? / Where do you go when your story’s done? / You can be who you were or who you’ll become.)

The lyrics of the song are eerie considering the recent death of his mother.

“All the support has been incredible! Let’s do this together tonight,” Tomlinson tweeted prior to the performance.

“Honored to share the stage with you,” Aoki also posted to Twitter.

The song was released on Ultra Records and collaborators include Tomlinson, Aoki, Eric Rosse, Sasha Sloan and Sir Nolan. “Just Hold On” was produced by Aoki.

Watch a video of the performance below:

Join the Discussion